Gov’t funding to upgrade, replace 12 bridges and culverts around Sask.

A dozen bridges and culverts around Saskatchewan will be replaced or upgraded thanks to an $8.2-million investment by federal, provincial and local governments.

The projects include bridge replacements in the RMs of Lomond and Star City, along with culvert work in the RMs of Enniskillen and Frenchman Butte.

Dan Vandal, Canada’s minister of housing, infrastructure and communities, said the work will make travel safer and prevent potential drainage issues before they happen.

“Investing in rural community infrastructure projects, such as bridges and culverts, creates more seamless transportation and water distribution services,” Vandal said in a statement.

“By providing new life cycles to these essential pieces of infrastructure, we continue to deliver for Saskatchewanians through investments that will make a real difference to their everyday lives.”

Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s minister of government relations, said the projects will have long-term benefits for the local communities.

“The importance of replacing and creating new infrastructure to build and protect our communities cannot be overstated,” McMorris said.

The bulk of the funding – $4,134,569 – is coming from municipalities, while the provincial government is kicking in $2,756,123, and Ottawa’s share adds up to $1,378,474.